-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Selena Gomez is ready to show off a new side . She 's starred in a TV movie sequel to her hit Disney series , `` Wizards of Waverly Place , '' and the edgy , R-rated drama , `` Spring Breakers , '' and this month the former teen queen is celebrating her 21st birthday , releasing her fourth studio album and rehearsing for her first arena tour .

With the release of her new LP , `` Stars Dance , '' the world is getting a glimpse of a more adult Gomez . CNN sat down with the multi-hyphenate on the morning of her birthday , and she opened up about how much she 's grown since leaving teendom behind .

`` The past year and a half has been really transitional for me , just personally , as well as transitioning into becoming a woman , '' she said . `` I still feel like I 'm 15 sometimes and then other times , I 'm wanting to feel comfortable in my body and my skin . ''

For this album , Gomez drew inspiration from her favorite pop star , Britney Spears , as well as from her good friend Taylor Swift for a more mature sound . The former `` Mouse House '' starlet revealed she is most proud of this album because it is the first time she was able to dedicate herself fully to her music .

`` I was able to have full creative control over it . Before , I would have maybe a month or two to record an album , and I 'd have to do my series at the same time and tour on the weekends . I was n't in the right mindset to fully give my all . ''

Gomez began acting professionally at a young age , nabbing roles in children 's programs such as `` Barney and Friends . '' As more former child stars are seen heading down dark and destructive paths , Gomez has always made a conscious effort to keep from falling down the same rabbit hole . The secret ? It all comes down to the company you keep .

`` I truly believe that you are who you surround yourself with . To me , it 's that easy . I have a great family , I have great friends , and my mom is like my mama bear . She 's the one that 's going to tell me ` no ' when everyone around me says ` yes . ' It 's a good thing to have a tight group that will keep you in check . ''

`` Stars Dance '' is a very personal album , Gomez said . Expectations for the disc are high , following three Top 10 debuts from her previous albums . `` Come and Get It '' marked Gomez 's first single to break into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 .

With a 64-date arena tour on the horizon , the performer is determined to strike while the iron 's hot .

`` I really just want to give it my all . I 've never been this tired . Dancing so much , singing constantly , just getting it tight . We want the show to be really big . I want it to be big , but in a grand way , just having my dancers and just bringing it to life . ''

Despite her hectic schedule and speculation about whether she 'll rekindle her relationship with Justin Bieber , Gomez said she has no plans for a break in the near future . In fact , it may not be long before fans will be treated to album No. 5 .

`` I 'm already in the studio now . I actually started working on new stuff and creating a whole fun , different vibe . It 's constantly evolving . I 'm super-stoked with where this is , and hopefully it will continue to just get better . ''

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Selena Gomez has high hopes for new album , `` Stars Dance ''

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The former Disney star says she 's become a woman

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Gomez is already recording new songs for her next album